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By Annonciata Byukusenge
Farmers and livestock keepers in Ruhango District who enrolled in the Tekana/NAIS program when it was launched say their experience with insurance companies has been smooth and reliable. Their testimonies have reassured fellow farmers, prompting many to take steps to insure their crops and animals.
Those who have changed their mindset are mainly participants in Tekana’s public awareness and sensitization meetings.
One of them is Uwamariya Alivera, a livestock farmer from Byimana Sector. She says that from 2019 to 2023, her animals did not face any major problems, and she consistently paid for insurance every year.
“Some farmers and livestock keepers are held back by limited understanding and a lack of clear information about the benefits of insuring crops and animals. Others believe that their livestock never gets sick, but they need to understand that risks come without warning.”
Uwamariya adds that when Tekana was introduced in 2019, she was already engaged in livestock farming and quickly decided to insure her animals to avoid the risk of total loss in case of disease.
“In 2024, my cows fell ill. I informed the veterinarian, who came and treated them; unfortunately, they did not recover and died. As soon as that happened, I notified the insurance company. They came, conducted an assessment, and confirmed that I was not at fault or negligent. They then approved compensation for the two cows that had died.”
She says the compensation was paid within the 30 days stipulated in the insurance contract, with no delays.
“Providing quality and timely service is part of an insurance company’s responsibility. In my case, I received good service and was paid within the agreed 30 days.”
Uwamariya encourages those who still doubt whether insurance companies actually pay claims to put their fears aside, noting that she herself is living proof, having been compensated for two cows lost to illness.
Many farmers and livestock keepers who attended Tekana’s awareness sessions had not previously insured their crops or animals. After hearing these testimonies, they immediately decided to enroll in the program.
One livestock keeper from Mbuye Sector explained why he had delayed joining Tekana.
“I used to hear claims that insurance companies don’t pay, but I have since realized those were just rumors. Now I am going to insure my animals.”
The Mayor of Ruhango District, Habarurema Valens, acknowledges that enrollment in crop and livestock insurance remains low. But the district is continuing the awareness campaign.
“Participation is still very low, especially for cassava crops. Cassava farmers argue that the insured value is too low compared to the crop’s actual worth. We are discussing this issue with various stakeholders to assess whether the insured value can be increased.”
Joseph Museruka, the TEKANA Project Manager at RAB-SPIU. Said that misinformation is still a major issue among some farmers and livestock keepers.
“Some people claim that TEKANA does not compensate for losses, but in many cases, the damage results from negligence by the livestock owner, which is not covered. Since 2019, TEKANA has paid out more than 8 billion Rwandan francs in compensation to farmers and livestock keepers.”
TEKANA is a government program under the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources and is implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).
